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Rawcliffe Hall.

Salute to the 40's Weekend.

July  27th & 28th & 29th 2007

Continuing the theme of wind, rain and mud, the camping field at Rawcliffe Hall was a no go area, so camping had to be found wherever you could find a spot. Either beside the road, or in front of a some very expensive looking log cabins. Every inch was eventually taken up with vehicles and tents. If you had a truck, you slept in it, I decided that a modern tent was in order, just for size and practicality.  Imagine these owners waking up in the morning and finding this lot camped on their front lawn!!!

Many thanks to Paul Higgins and the rest of the Rawcliffe Hall Weekend group, for all their hard work into the weekend. Even though the field was waterlogged, the camping worked out very well in the end, and the central area looked really good with all the vehicles in, and Officers and soldiers milling about all weekend. The evening star attraction had to be the Banjo player, he could have played all night and we would not have minded, what a talented guy !!!!

Officers  were a plenty this weekend, and very smart in their tunics and pinks.

 One officer demonstrates his pick pocketing technique,  "It was in your back pocket , Buddy!"

The central area was quite full of vehicles,  GMC, MAC, Dodges, Harley, BSA, Chevs and the usual gaggle of Jeeps.

There was this very nice , and well put together, 6 wheel Jeep (replica), one driven back axel, but more like a mini Dodge WC.

The Re-enactment battle was very well put on, plenty of ammo being used, and fairly close to the crown. One poor dead German, nearly had his cards,  as a yank threw a thunder flash, and it landed right on him. A quick role over and BANG!  very close to getting burnt, but all ok. Thank goodness for ear plugs ! And again, the Yanks and Brits pushed the Germans back and won the day....

The highlight of the weekend must be the low fly-past and landing of an old Vietnam Huey. After it landed and safe, the pilot and crew were available for interrogation by the awaiting authorities, ok, the crowd. It was good to have real good close up look at the interior of this very distinctive helicopter with its unforgettable noise.

Over the weekend, there were countless opportunities for period type photos. Where ever you turned, there was a group of 101st Airborne trudging past.

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last updated - 31st July , 2007